WALES coach Martin Hall has named a 29-man squad for the Dragons’ forthcoming rugby league internationals against Papua New Guinea and Scotland.

The Welsh face Papua New Guinea on Sunday, October 28 at the Brewery Field in Bridgend, before travelling to Glasgow for their World Cup qualifying match a week later, to be broadcast live on Sky TV. Wales need to win this match by eight points following their 21-14 defeat to the Scots in Bridgend last year.

Lee Briers’ inclusion will depend on his fitness. The Warrington half back is suffering from an ankle injury sustained at St Helens last month and is currently undergoing intensive treatment in a bid to be fit in time to lead Wales against Papua New Guinea.

Iestyn Harris, who missed last year’s World Cup match against Scotland through injury, is reported to be fully fit, but missing from the squad is Keiron Cunningham who officially announced his retirement from international rugby league last week.

There are 11 potential new caps in the 29.

New Celtic Crusaders signings Aaron Summers, Ian Webster and Luke Dyer are included for the first time, as are current Crusaders Phil Cushion, Geraint Davies and Grant Epton.

Dave Halley, Matt James and Craig Kopczak join their experienced Bradford Bulls’ team-mate Harris in the squad, while Warrington’s Andy Bracek and Halifax’s Sean Penkywicz are the other newcomers.

“This could be our strongest squad in a long time,” said Wales Rugby League’s executive chairman Mark Rowley. “We’re pleased to have Iestyn back after the disappointment of his injury last year. He’s definitely fully fit this time around and has been instrumental in recent training, especially with his Bradford team-mates.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing them in action against Papua New Guinea in Bridgend on October 28th.”

Tickets for Wales v Papua New Guinea (priced £5 for adults and £3 concessions) are available online from www.cymrurl.com.

Wales Rugby League is offering five lucky Gazette readers the chance to win a pair of tickets for the full international against Papua New Guinea at the Brewery Field in Bridgend on Sunday, October 28 (kick-off 3pm).

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: